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CNMI marks Veteran Awareness Week
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Posted on Nov 07 2011
By Mark Rabago
Associate Editor
Associate Editor
The CNMI community will get a chance to show its appreciation to the country’s armed forces and veterans this week with a proclamation declaring Nov. 7 to 11, 2011 as Veterans Awareness Week.
Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos signed the Veterans Awareness Week proclamation last Thursday at the Governor’s Office conference room in the presence of CNMI Veteran Affairs Office director Vicente C. Camacho, his predecessor Ruth Coleman, VFW 6457 commander Mariano Fajardo, and other veterans.
Camacho, who came onboard VAO just recently, invited the CNMI community to events lined up this week, culminating with the Veterans Day commemoration ceremony beginning at 11am on Nov. 11 at the American Memorial Park.
“This is a very important day because it celebrates our veterans. America is very proud of its military. It’s one day in a year that America celebrates its veterans,” he said.
Fajardo, who read the proclamation, said Veterans Day pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women, who, in defense of freedom, have bravely worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.
“Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom’s defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world,” read Fajardo, who also mentioned the U.S. armed forces’ campaigns in Europe during the Great War and World War II, Southeast Asia in ’60s, and most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Veterans Awareness Week proclamation also saw the attendance of House Speaker Eli D. Cabrera (R-Saipan), Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes (R-Saipan), and Reps. Joseph M. Palacios (R-Saipan) and Fredrick P. Deleon Guerrero (R-Saipan).
Veterans Day is a federal holiday that is observed on Nov. 11. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day around the world to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I on that date in 1919.
